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How to Create an X Axis Graph

A Cartesian coordinate grid has two axes -- the x-axis and the y- axis. However, when creating an x-axis graph or number line, you should draw only the horizontal axis. The x-axis is a line with an arrow on either end that indicates the numbers' increase to positive infinity to the right and decrease to negative infinity to the left. There are equidistant markings on the x-axis to identify the intervals. You can use an x-axis graph to represent arithmetic operations involving integers, inequalities and points.

Things You'll Need

  • Ruler
  • Graph paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Draw a horizontal line with arrows on either end, using a ruler. Write an x at the end of the line to label the axis.

    • 2

      Look at the set of values you will graph. Determine the maximum (highest number) and minimum (lowest number) for the set of data. This determines the lowest and highest value on the x-axis. For example, in the set {-9, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9}, -9 is the minimum and 9 is the maximum value.

    • 3

      Draw small vertical, equidistant markings on the line, using the ruler markings to guide you. The intervals should be even.

    • 4

      Place points to represent the data set on the line. For example, in the set {-9, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9}, you may decide to increase the values written underneath the markings by threes. For example, in the set {-9, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, 9}, there should be a point above the -9, -6, -3, 0, 3, 6, and 9. If the numbers are significantly higher, you may have intervals in increments of 5s, 10s, or 50s.

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